As one of the most experienced wedding bands in the UK, Down for the Count provide all the music you need for your special day with stunning music packages that entertain your guests from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
Our SWING & SOUL BAND performs dancing music for your evening reception. With a huge set list of music designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, we make sure that your guests are dancing all night long. The standard line-up is a 9-piece band featuring female vocals and four horn players - although we can perform as anything from a 6-piece right up to a stunning 14-piece band.
For your WEDDING CEREMONY, we offer classically trained musicians who can perform traditional or contemporary music. Options available include a string quartet, or classical pianist who can be joined by a trumpeter, cellist or vocalist.
For RECEPTION DRINKS and DINNER MUSIC, ask as about our great jazz band line-ups. We can offer you a cocktail pianist, or to add a touch of class have our glamorous Hollywood Jazz Band, or 1920’s speakeasy-themed Lady Gatsby Jazz Band.
Here are four reasons to book Down for the Count for your wedding reception:
(1) Down for the Count formed in 2005 and over the past 12 years have performed at hundreds of weddings up and down the country and internationally;
(2) We use top-of-the-range PA and lighting equipment to make sure each performance looks and sounds slick and professional;
(3) We are extremely well rehearsed – really setting us apart from other wedding bands;
(4) We pride ourselves on our personal service. Many clients comment on how easy we are to contact, and how approachable we are when discussing and planning your event - whether your event is large or small, we work with you to provide the best possible entertainment, to make your event one that sticks in everyone's memory for years to come.
Get in touch today to find out how our wedding music packages can transform your special day!

Personal Message from the Manager

Name of Wedding Contact: Mike Paul-Smith

Thanks for your interest in Down for the Count - we have been providing wedding reception entertainment for nearly 12 years. We treat every event separately and pride ourselves on unparalleled customer service - so get in touch today and find out how we can transform your special event.

What is your most memorable wedding?

Anthony and Becky's wedding at Pinewood Studios - we were there on the same day that Johnny Depp was filming on the 007 Stage, although sadly we didn't bump in to him!

Describe your style in 5 adjectives.

Energetic, stylish, versatile, professional, reliable

What about your business are you most proud of?

Down for the Count started as a group of school friends in 2005. This gives us a unique bond which comes across in each and every performance.

What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?

We've written a whole series of articles to help couples plan their wedding - check out our website! Our number one tip - leave a bit of time (at least 30 minutes) between the end of the meal/speeches, and your first dance. At this time your guests have been seated for several hours so will likely want to stretch their legs, go to the bar, smoke or catch up with other friends - and your fantastic, energetic party band may be playing to an empty room!

Describe your typical process with a couple.

We work with wedding couples to provide bespoke entertainment packages for wedding receptions, providing all the live music you might need for your wedding day - from ceremony musicians, background jazz bands, energetic function bands and auto DJ services.
The process starts with an email or phone call where you let us know what you're looking for. We will then put forward 2 or 3 proposals to give you a range of options to consider.
We usually then schedule a meeting or call, ideally at the venue, to finalise your perfect wedding music package. We take a retainer fee of 20% to secure the booking, with the balance due 10 working days before the event.
We're then always at the end of the phone until the wedding day, making sure all the plans are in place for your special day.
On the day itself, we come and find you to say hello when we arrive, then we stay out of your way - hopefully the only time you'll notice us is when we're playing the music!

What makes a romantic first dance?

A song that is personal and means something to you. We can learn virtually any song for your first dance, as long as it suits the instrumentation of the band. However, don't feel pressured to have a first dance - many couples choose not to, and it's no problem at all if you'd rather not have one.